Emotional wealth is the foundation of a happy, joy-filled, successful life. You can't buy it; it’s not out there, it is an inside job. The most desired emotion people seek is happiness - what they are really seeking is Joy. Happiness is a present moment emotion; joy is a deep internal state of wellbeing. Those who have emotional strength experience joy and lasting success; not as an event but as a journey.

Power is an emotional game. Not power over others, real authentic power. If you don’t feel good emotionally, you’re not going to be able to live the life you want to lead. And much of the challenge lies in the fact that we are hardwired to avoid pain, out of a fear of vulnerability and death.

"Something is missing!" Do you feel that? Are you at that stage in your life where you’ve worked hard, and smart to acquire, accumulate, advance, obtain; year after year only to be left with the feeling that something is missing? You are not alone.

“Yes, I was happy when I got that promotion, when I got married, bought the big house, had children, achieved my ideal body weight, but it didn’t last.”

The pursuit of happiness is an elusive dream. Monetary wealth, corporate upward mobility, and the acquisition of things do not bring happiness, meaning or fulfillment. Now What?

Emotional wealth can lead to a deep internal state of Joy. Yes, it is available for everyone if you are prepared to cultivate it. Like everything that’s worth having, it takes willingness, commitment, and perseverance but the rewards are well worth the effort.

Some people fear that if they start doing the inner work, they will become emotional, they will be vulnerable and weak, they will have to sit in the therapist's chair for endless hours talking about their past or that they will lose everything they have acquired in the external world. No, no, no and no.

What actually happens is that you become less “attached” to the material things, more connected to yourself, aligned with your purpose and your truth, and it's like tapping into a superpower. You have a better connection with yourself and others, relationships improve, and you create space to enjoy your success more. I’ll write an article on attachment in the near future.

Following are common traits of emotionally wealthy people: Everyone can experience emotional wealth. For some, these traits come naturally; for the majority, they are cultivated by developing certain skills they commit to learning and practicing because they know their life satisfaction depends on it.

1. Self-awareSelf-awareness is the strongest predictor of overall success; it is the key to emotional wealth. Emotionally wealthy individuals have the capacity for introspection; monitoring thoughts and emotions as they arise, which allows them to act consciously rather than react passively. For this reason, they enjoy a greater depth of life experience. They are more discerning than judgmental and are more likely to be compassionate of others, making them successful leaders.

2. MeditatorsEmotionally wealthy people meditate regularly. This is how most of them cultivate self-awareness and inner strength. Meditation will move you away from the busyness and negativity of your mind and into a direct experience of your most authentic, powerful Self. In a state of presence you are available to have a direct experience of consciousness; authentic power, freedom and creative brilliance, innovation and joy!

3. Self-RespectingEmotionally wealthy people know their value; they have learned to accept and approve of themselves and do not need the approval of others. They are not attention seekers; they may enjoy the spotlight but they do not need it to boost their self-esteem or prove their worth. They are confident, they command respect and because of their ability to authentically connect with others, they are natural leaders.

4. Emotionally ResilientThe emotionally wealthy have a deep inner strength, the result of an unwavering commitment to the truth. They face everything and avoid nothing. They are able to identify, acknowledge, and process the full range of emotions; intense heavy emotions and uplifting positive emotions, knowing that you cannot have one without the other. Stress, challenge, and trauma might play a part in their story but it does not become part of their identity. They know how to be in the present moment without judgment or avoidance; it takes practice, but it is a powerful form of resilience-building.

5. They Let GoEmotionally wealthy individuals know that emotions do not cause pain; resistance causes pain and stagnation. They LET GO of trying to change, fix, avoid, alter or get rid of emotions. They deal with facts and feelings; not stories, interpretations, assumptions or judgments. They experience reality as it is and open to opportunities and possibilities to grow from every challenge they face.

Emotionally wealthy individuals have learned to bare their uncomfortable emotions rather than react to them. Sitting with life's uncertainties allows them to reveal valuable and useful insights. They know that happiness is not a given, it is a creation.

6. Own Who They AreEmotionally wealthy individuals honour themselves and their values; they do not compromise who they are or what they believe in for anyone. They do what they do in life because they feel passion. They are not inclined to slow down, change or stop being who they are to please others or avoid conflict. They are not concerned with being liked; self-respect is more important to them and for that reason, they are often respected. They remain true to their values, vision, and purpose.

7. CourageousEmotionally wealthy people are not afraid to go after what they want. They consistently step outside their comfort zone and patiently work through fears and self-doubt. These individuals choose to show up fully and bring their personal best to everything they do, they commit to excellence, not perfection. They know that change is uncomfortable; they do it anyway because exploring their edge makes them feel alive and allows them to evolve, realize more of their potential and make a greater contribution.

8. Keen Observers of PeopleThey deliberately keep the company of others who are inspiring, honest, committed and consistently evolving in their lives. They don’t have all the answers, they are more interested in what they do not know because that’s how they evolve. They value the input and wisdom of other intelligent, creative, emotionally wealthy people. They are aware of individuals who may be controlling, manipulative, insincere, playing games or have a personal agenda. They may or may not call them out but they will never tolerate them for long.

9. AuthenticEmotionally wealthy people aren't afraid to be transparent, real or vulnerable. They have the courage to show the world who they are. They let people in because they know all good relationships are based on the qualities of openness, honesty, authenticity, and integrity.There are no guessing games with these people. Others know exactly where they stand with them. They are known to speak their truth with kindness. (Truth without kindness can be mean) and they are kind. Emotionally wealthy individuals expect the best from others and give the best of themselves at all times.

10. Good ListenersEmotionally wealthy individuals are good listeners, they know how to listen with the intention to understand, not to react or respond. They know how to be with adversity and when to ask the right questions or offer encouragement. They can draw out the strength in others and support them to solve their own challenges.

11. HumbleEmotionally Wealthy individuals are humble. They have a vision that goes beyond their own self-interest, they encourage collaboration over competition, they draw out the best in others and are more likely to express appreciation and acknowledge contribution. They are able to accurately assess their own strengths and weaknesses, they do not view themselves and superior or inferior knowing both are out of balance perceptions that interfere with their power. They ASK: questions when they don’t know; for support, mentoring, or coaching because they are life long learners and committed to being their personal best.

If maximum evolution occurs at the border of chaos and order then emotional wealth is a measure of the amount of time it takes to move from chaos to order.

Who could you be with the support of a coach?

We all have complex lives. You and I are each unique individuals juggling our own set of important priorities. And if you really want to get clarity as to what’s the next right step for YOU - it takes another person - a coach - to understand what’s on the table for you.

When you get a coach who understands you, they can really help you select your priorities and find the path of action that's right for YOU.

I would like to invite you to a Free 30-Minute Clarity Session, this is not a sales call. It’s an opportunity to get clear about how you can move toward more personal power and emotional wealth. This link will expire December 27th. Book now!